EPA Initiates Hydraulic Fracturing Study

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it will conduct a comprehensive research study to investigate the potential adverse impact that hydraulic fracturing may have on water quality and public health. Natural gas plays a key role in the nation’s clean energy future and the process known as hydraulic fracturing is one way of accessing that resource. There are concerns that hydraulic fracturing may impact groundwater and surface water quality in ways that threaten human health and the environment. To address these concerns and strengthen our clean energy future and in response to language inserted into the fiscal year 2010 Appropriations Act, EPA is reallocating $1.9 million for this peer-reviewed study for FY10 and requesting funding for FY11 in the president’s budget proposal.

“Our research will be designed to answer questions about the potential impact of hydraulic fracturing on human health and the environment,” said Dr. Paul T. Anastas, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Research and Development. “The study will be conducted through a transparent, peer-reviewed process, with significant stakeholder input.”

EPA is in the early stages of designing a hydraulic fracturing research program. The agency is proposing the process begin with defining research questions and identifying data gaps, conducting a robust process for stakeholder input and research prioritization; with this input, developing a detailed study design that will undergo external peer-review, leading to implementing the planned research studies.

To support this initial planning phase and guide the development of the study plan, the agency is seeking suggestions and comments from the EPA Science Advisory Board (SAB)--an independent, external federal advisory committee. The agency has requested that the Environmental Engineering Committee of the SAB evaluate and provide advice on EPA’s proposed approach. The agency will use this advice and extensive stakeholder input to guide the design of the study.

Hydraulic fracturing is a process that drills vertical and horizontal cracks underground that help withdraw gas, or oil, from coalbeds, shale and other geological formations.